Orthopedic clamp and extension rod

Abstract

Spinal implants and methods of extending pre-existing spinal implant constructs. An extension clamp may be connected to an original spinal implant including an elongated rod attached to a portion of the spine without removal of the original spinal implant. The extension clamp may include a yoke and an extension rod extending from the yoke. The yoke may include a first end and a second end, the first end having first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a fastener, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. The first and second rod engaging portions may be configured and dimensioned to secure the extension clamp to the elongated rod.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical implant for stabilizing a spine of a patient, said implant comprising:
 an extension clamp including a yoke having a first end and a second end, the yoke including first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions, the second end being spaced apart from the first end; and   an extension rod extending from the second end of the yoke,   wherein the yoke is configured to receive an elongated rod in the channel.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated rod is attached to the extension clamp. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical implant of  claim 2 , further comprising a first securing member and a second securing member configured to contact the elongated rod. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical implant of  claim 3 , wherein the first securing member is received through an upper surface of a first rod engaging portion and the second securing member is received through an upper surface of a second rod engaging portion. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical implant of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second rod engaging portions are hook type elements. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical implant of  claim 3 , wherein the first securing member is a first set screw and the second securing member is a second set screw. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical implant of  claim 1 , wherein the yoke is configured to receive a head of a fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical implant of  claim 7 , wherein the fastener is configured to extend into a pedicle. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical implant of  claim 7 , wherein the extension rod is configured and dimensioned to be captured and retained within the fastener. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical implant of  claim 1 , wherein the extension rod is integrated with the yoke. 
     
     
         11 . A surgical system for stabilizing a spine of a patient comprising:
 an extension clamp including a yoke having a first end and a second end, the yoke including first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions;   an extension rod extending from the second end of the yoke; and   a fastener configured to be received in the channel.   
     
     
         12 . The surgical implant of  claim 11 , wherein the elongated rod is attached to the extension clamp. 
     
     
         13 . The surgical implant of  claim 12 , further comprising a first securing member and a second securing member configured to contact the elongated rod. 
     
     
         14 . The surgical implant of  claim 13 , wherein the first securing member is received through an upper surface of a first rod engaging portion and the second securing member is received through an upper surface of a second rod engaging portion. 
     
     
         15 . The surgical implant of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second rod engaging portions are hook type elements. 
     
     
         16 . The surgical implant of  claim 13 , wherein the first securing member is a first set screw and the second securing member is a second set screw. 
     
     
         17 . The surgical implant of  claim 11 , wherein the yoke is configured to receive a head of a fastener. 
     
     
         18 . The surgical implant of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is configured to extend into a pedicle. 
     
     
         19 . The surgical implant of  claim 17 , wherein the extension rod is configured and dimensioned to be captured and retained within the fastener. 
     
     
         20 . The surgical implant of  claim 11 , wherein the extension rod is integrated with the yoke.